As a personal trainer, you're probably looking to get as many clients as possible. However, there's a lot of other trainers to compete with.
From massive chain gyms to other PT's, you're going to need to step up your game if you want to get clients. And as it turns out, one of the best ways of getting those new clients has been right under your nose this entire time.
Thanks to its massive audience, Facebook will become is of the best marketing tools for personal trainers. Especially when it comes to Groups.
Facebook groups are an incredible resource. Thousands of people join groups looking for everything from simple conversation to advice.
Best of all, it's free! All you need to do is start looking into the right groups.
Read on to learn the 5 Steps to Get Clients from Facebook Groups.
1. Understand Who Your Clients Are
If you read that headline and immediately thought 'Well, people who are looking to get in shape, obviously' you're going to need to dive deeper.
Yes, your audience is going to consist of people who want to better their lives through fitness but that isn't enough info to go on. To get the most out of Facebook groups, you'll need to really analyze who you're looking to attract.
Is there a specific age group, for instance? Many personal trainers are having serious success in the growing senior fitness sector.
What about regions? Whether you're freelancing or contracting with a gym, there are going to be geographic restrictions. Not to mention the online space.
Here is a quick checklist of things to keep in mind:
Yes, your audience is going to consist of people who want to better their lives through fitness but that isn't enough info to go on. To get the most out of Facebook groups, you'll need to really analyze who you're looking to attract.
Is there a specific age group, for instance? Many personal trainers are having serious success in the growing senior fitness sector.
What about regions? Whether you're freelancing or contracting with a gym, there are going to be geographic restrictions. Not to mention the online space.
Here is a quick checklist of things to keep in mind:
- Age
- Gender
- Your specialities
- Region / online
- Your clients' income levels
- Their prior fitness experience
2. Know What You -- And Only You -- Offer
Before you can start finding Facebook groups, you'll want to have your ducks in a row. Now that you know a bit more about who you're looking to attract, let's focus on you.
The personal training industry is vast -- you already likely know this. Having something that sets you apart from the competition is absolutely invaluable.
Think about some of the specific things that you offer that your competition can't. These are going to be your greatest strengths.
This could be your personal story that makes you the best person to help a specific niche, a rare qualification that's in demand or any skills you have other personal trainers don't.
The personal training industry is vast -- you already likely know this. Having something that sets you apart from the competition is absolutely invaluable.
Think about some of the specific things that you offer that your competition can't. These are going to be your greatest strengths.
This could be your personal story that makes you the best person to help a specific niche, a rare qualification that's in demand or any skills you have other personal trainers don't.
3. Do Some Scouting
You're almost ready to start posting in the groups themselves. But first, you'll need to find the right groups. Finding the right group is going to be a bit of trial and error.
For example, if you cater to local brides, local groups that offer wedding services, venues and deals for brides to be, could be a good source of information for your marketing and enable you to engage in conversation.
You could always simply join a group, dive in head first, and hope for the best. But we recommend you check out a group before joining.
See what their culture is like. A little bit of research will help you fit in and become part of the group in no time.
Make sure that a group is active before joining. Joining a defunct group isn't going to help you get clients at all. Determine whether or not people still consider it to be a strong resource or not.
Search these groups for specific phrases that are relevant to your offerings. For instance, if people are looking to lose weight, you could do a search within the group for 'weight loss' and make an effort to talk to those users more.
Also make sure you are not stepping onto someone else's toes. There are many free groups created by professionals to create an audience and these groups will have some rules. Make sure you adhere to these rules, learn how to manage a group and feel free to create your own.
You may want to find Facebook groups for some of the following:
For example, if you cater to local brides, local groups that offer wedding services, venues and deals for brides to be, could be a good source of information for your marketing and enable you to engage in conversation.
You could always simply join a group, dive in head first, and hope for the best. But we recommend you check out a group before joining.
See what their culture is like. A little bit of research will help you fit in and become part of the group in no time.
Make sure that a group is active before joining. Joining a defunct group isn't going to help you get clients at all. Determine whether or not people still consider it to be a strong resource or not.
Search these groups for specific phrases that are relevant to your offerings. For instance, if people are looking to lose weight, you could do a search within the group for 'weight loss' and make an effort to talk to those users more.
Also make sure you are not stepping onto someone else's toes. There are many free groups created by professionals to create an audience and these groups will have some rules. Make sure you adhere to these rules, learn how to manage a group and feel free to create your own.
You may want to find Facebook groups for some of the following:
- Weight loss
- Senior fitness
- Fitness goals
- Other professional personal trainers
- Specific types of exercise routines and training (weight training, cardio, etc.)
4. Variety is the Spice of Life
There isn't a limit on how many groups you can be a part of, so join as many as you can (within reason). In fact, a little bit of variation could be good for your brand.
By joining a few groups, you'll open yourself up to more opportunities.
For instance, you'll get the chance to talk to different types of people and learn from their ideas.
You'll also have the opportunity to get your name seen by more people. It's great to form bonds within your Facebook groups. But if you're looking to get clients, you'll want to be seen helpful and as an expert in your niche. The more people that see your name, receive an answer from you to a burning question the better your chances are of becoming the go-to guy or girl next time.
And if there's a niche that you don't see covered, consider creating a new group yourself.
By joining a few groups, you'll open yourself up to more opportunities.
For instance, you'll get the chance to talk to different types of people and learn from their ideas.
You'll also have the opportunity to get your name seen by more people. It's great to form bonds within your Facebook groups. But if you're looking to get clients, you'll want to be seen helpful and as an expert in your niche. The more people that see your name, receive an answer from you to a burning question the better your chances are of becoming the go-to guy or girl next time.
And if there's a niche that you don't see covered, consider creating a new group yourself.
5. Get In and Interact
You've put in the research, you know your goals, and you're ready to mingle. Finally, you're ready to interact with some people! Now it's time to get in there and start interacting.
Truthfully, there isn't a tried and true method here. All that really matters is that you keep your demeanor and language professional. Remember, you're representing yourself here, so paint yourself in a good light.
Try and find a few posts a week and comment in them. Ask questions and answer your peers' questions. How you interact isn't as important as if you interact and how often you do so. Just always be genuine and professional.
Truthfully, there isn't a tried and true method here. All that really matters is that you keep your demeanor and language professional. Remember, you're representing yourself here, so paint yourself in a good light.
Try and find a few posts a week and comment in them. Ask questions and answer your peers' questions. How you interact isn't as important as if you interact and how often you do so. Just always be genuine and professional.
(Bonus Tip) 6. The Do's and Don'ts of Posting
When you're looking to get clients, it's easy to go into salesperson mode. You may be tempted to throw out links to your website or blog and tell people about all of the great stuff you offer.
Don't do this.
You're on these Facebook groups for a professional reason, but avoid sales pitches. People will immediately see your posts and ignore anything else you have to say.
It's okay to link to your website every now and then or post about a discount. But if you do so too often you'll risk getting kicked from the group.
Remember: just be yourself. Your interactions with other group members are going to be your best way to get clients. Once people see that you're friendly, helpful, and trustworthy, they'll be far more inclined to sign up for your service.
Be kind in your interactions. It's easy to get caught up in an online argument. Ask yourself if it's really worth the time and energy and how others will view you. If there's a serious problem with a user, contact a moderator.
Don't do this.
You're on these Facebook groups for a professional reason, but avoid sales pitches. People will immediately see your posts and ignore anything else you have to say.
It's okay to link to your website every now and then or post about a discount. But if you do so too often you'll risk getting kicked from the group.
Remember: just be yourself. Your interactions with other group members are going to be your best way to get clients. Once people see that you're friendly, helpful, and trustworthy, they'll be far more inclined to sign up for your service.
Be kind in your interactions. It's easy to get caught up in an online argument. Ask yourself if it's really worth the time and energy and how others will view you. If there's a serious problem with a user, contact a moderator.
Get Clients Faster Than Ever
Facebook is a wonderful way to reach a new audience, and with these tips, you'll get clients in no time.
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If you're looking for some extra help, don't forget to sign up to our newsletter.
You'll get the best news and info delivered straight to your inbox, plus a free guide to business systems for personal trainers!
